Judgement in the case between the Republic and Parliament’s Minority leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and two others, is targeted for May 3, 2024. Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, who is hearing the case as an additional High Court Judge, announced the date for judgment on Thursday afternoon. In a significant development, the Office of the Attorney-General, says, it intends to drop its case against the second accused person, that is former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health Sylvester Anemana, who is currently receiving health care abroad.
Dr Cassiel Forson, who is also the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, is standing trial with Dr. Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, and Richard Jakpa, a businessman, for allegedly causing financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for Ghana between 2014 and 2016. They have, however, pleaded not guilty to five counts of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to wilfully cause financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act and intentionally misapplying public property.
On Thursday afternoon, the second accused, Dr. Sylvester Anemana, was expected to continue his testimony, via a video link. However, his wife told the Court through the video link, that the accused person, was unable to join proceedings, because he was in an operating theatre running some medical tests. The former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, who is critically ill, was granted permission by the Court, to travel outside the country for medical treatment. From this information, the presiding judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, asked the prosecution, to prepare their next witness in the case of Dr. Anemana, if he is unable to join on the next hearing date.
However, the prosecution, led by the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah-Dame, through Principal State Attorney, Richard Gyimbibi, told the court that the A-G intends to file a Noelle prosequi that is, to drop the charges, in respect of the former Chief Director of the Ghana Health Service.
In view of that the court, asked the third accused person, businessman, Richard Jakpa, to prepare, to open his defense. Lawyer for the accused person, Thomas Aubynn, told the court, that his client, will call, the Chief Executive Officer of a company called Big Sea. Mr. Aubynn added that they have not filed any witness statement but he will testify orally. Per the Completion plan in the case, parties are to give their oral addresses on April 9, 2024 and Judgment Day intended for May 3, 2024. The case continues on Tuesday March 12 at 12pm.
